Meet The Team
Susan Anders
Administrative Assistant
sanders@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 10
I have an Associates in Marketing Management and BA in Liberal Studies. I have worked for Non-Profit Agencies for 20 years and have been at Options For Justice for 14 years. During this time, I have seen many things change at our organization and have been proud to play an integral part in numerous accomplishments. I love working at Options For Justice because the staff is so passionate and hard working. I know that the agency mission is so important! I look forward to helping our agency continue to step up and respond to the many changing needs of both the individuals that we support and the way the community and service delivery system is evolving.
Jennifer Day
Program Director
jday@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 11
My education and experience is in special education. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University in Special Education and taught students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders and autism spectrum disorder in a school within a school environment. This experience and a desire to encourage success outside of the educational arena, led me to Options For Justice. I love building our program and being a part of an evolution that took us from being primarily a resource and referral agency to one that provides individualized direct supports. Meeting the people that we support where they are and making an assessment as to what community resources, partner agencies and natural supports that can be drawn together to create a complete plan for success is something that is truly rewarding.
Mary Ann Gehrin
Executive Director
mgehrin@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 12
After a long and successful career supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in a variety of different roles, and combined with a background and education in Social Work, Counseling and Non-Profit Management, leading Options for Justice through much needed change and expansion was the logical next step for me. I am so proud of all of the time, effort, and energy that has gone into making this organization what it is today. Our unique mission has attracted an extremely passionate and creative group of professionals who are dedicated to positive outcomes. I am excited to be part of our amazing team and I look forward to continued success as we rise up to the many challenges ahead.
Amy Ward
Case Coordinator
award@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 15
My Social Service Journey started with studies in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Safety and Security. I started working 911, taking calls from people in crisis but not being able to see the person and never knowing the end result. This left me wanting to help in a larger population. I worked in a maximum Juvenile penitentiary with at risk youth, in Federal Reentry providing counseling and teaching in substance abuse programs, and in the Judicial Circuit City of St. Louis Treatment Court. Years of working in the social service field fueled my passion for better resources, more supports, and a better understanding of the challenges most people face that have a developmental disability, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues. I am very excited to be part of Options for Justice and this amazing team of experienced, professional and extremely passionate people who are like minded as me.
Monica Pickel
Case Coordinator
mpickel@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 16
I began my social service career in crisis support services and advocacy, working with at-risk populations. I completed a dual degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice as my passion was in criminal justice reform for these vulnerable populations. Options for Justice offers me the opportunity to prioritize rehabilitation and reconciliation as I help individuals navigate the challenging justice system. As Case Coordinator at Options for Justice, I am looking forward to seeing myself prosper in my current areas of expertise, but also opening myself up to new opportunities in which to grow. I am also the voice behind the Options for Justice’s social media platform, working alongside marketing experts. I’m excited to see the path this new, creative, endeavor leads me down and am honored to play a role in increasing the awareness of our important mission and accomplishments.
Diamond Spencer
Intake and Resource Coordinator
Dspencer@ofjstl.org 314-721-6161 ex 13
My passion for human and social services began during my undergraduate years while obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Harris-Stowe State University. Upon the completion of my degree, I taught high school English in both St. Louis and New Orleans, Louisiana. I also worked in higher education as a Financial Assistance Counselor. My dedication to my former students that had diagnosed disabilities is what led me to believe I would be a good fit on the Options for Justice team. I am humbled at the opportunity to connect clients with the resources they need to navigate their lives successfully.
